Environmental Health

Brownfields

What is a brownfields site?

A brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. (EPA)

Examples:

The Ho-Chunk Nation was awarded the Section 128(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) grant. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2020 to develop and maintain an environmental response program or known as Tribal Response Plan (TRP). The TRP focuses on program development activities related to the four elements of a TRP including:

        1) Timely survey and inventory of Brownfield sites on tribal land
        2) Oversight and enforcement authority or other mechanisms and resources
        3) Mechanisms and resources to provide meaningful opportunities for public participation
        4) Mechanisms for approval of cleanup plans and verification and certification that cleanup is complete.

More Information:

Randy Poelma

Env. Sciences Program Manager
Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Env. Health
N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd
Black River Falls, WI
715-284-9851 x35061
Randy.Poelma@ho-chunk.com

Air Quality

The Ho-Chunk Nation’s Air Quality Program consists of two major parts. They are indoor air quality and ambient air quality. The indoor air quality component of the program has a goal of addressing air quality concerns within the homes of tribal members. The ambient air quality component of the program has a goal of establishing a baseline of particulate pollution data from the outdoor air near tribal communities.

   Indoor             Outdoor

Indoor Air Quality

The Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health conducts various indoor air quality assessments, at the request of tribal members, to address specific concerns that they may have. Tribal members can request that their residence be tested for high levels of radon gas. The residence can be tested for high radon levels by Environmental Health staff making two trips to the location. Once the radon gas level is determined, the Division of Environmental Health will provide recommendations on whether any action should be taken. It is important to note that the Division of Environmental Health does not provide funding for the installation of radon mitigation equipment. Tribal members may also request a mold investigation of their residence, if they have seen the appearance of any coloring that they believe could be mold growth. Environmental Health staff will visually inspect the concern and determine whether it is mold, as well as provide recommendations on how to clean and prevent future mold growth. It is important to note that the Division of Environmental Health does not provide funding for any mold-related construction alterations or clean-up measures.

More Information:

Ambient (Outdoor) Air Quality

The Ho-Chunk Nation currently owns and operates two ambient air monitoring stations. One is located one mile southwest of Wyeville, WI, near the Blue Wing community. The other is adjacent to the new District 1 Community Center, near Black River Falls, WI. The focus of both stations is to monitor air quality near tribal communities, producing a baseline of particulate matter pollution data. A legally-defensible baseline of regulatory data can be used to prove the impact that a future pollution source may have on the environment near Ho-Chunk Nation communities. Each station has the capability of measuring both designated size varieties of particulate matter (PM). Both PM10 and PM2.5 are designated criteria pollutants that are regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

To request any indoor air quality assessment, or for more information contact:

Matt Malimanek

Air Quality Specialist
Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health
N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd
Black River Falls, WI
715-284-9851 x35054
matthew.malimanek@ho-chunk.com

Surface Water Quality

Division of Env. Health Surface Water Quality Program

The Nation has become increasingly concerned with surface water quality in recent years due to the increase in row crop agriculture, cranberry cultivation, sand mining, large-scale pipeline and utility projects and overall shifts to more intensive land-uses within the watersheds containing tribal lands and waters.

The DEH manages a surface water quality program that is 95% funded through grants from the Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 106 Program. The program focuses on trust water resources that include approximately 19.0 miles of stream; 20.1 acres of ponds; and 1,100 acres of wetlands. The DEH currently monitors water quality of tribal streams at (23) monitoring stations spread over (10) counties. Monitoring includes multiple parameters that are used to determine the overall water quality of a waterway. These parameters include samples and measurements for water chemistry, habitat evaluation and the assessment of fish and other biological populations. The program has also been working diligently to delineate, map and classify wetland resources on tribal trust land. This information is valuable for future land-use planning so that these resources can be protected and continue to be there providing for the tribal community. The program also implements and/or oversees projects that will improve or protect water quality on tribal waters such as the installation of Best Management Practices (BMPs); road culvert replacements; storm-water management; wetland restoration and projects to improve in-stream habitat for trout.

Randy Poelma

Env. Sciences Program Manager
Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Env. Health
N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd
Black River Falls, WI
715-284-9851 x35061
Randy.Poelma@ho-chunk.com

Private Wells/Septic

Goal: The main goal of the Sanitary Facilities Coordinator is to provide assistance to Ho-Chunk Nation members in regards to water and wastewater issues. Our office will evaluate each situation, with a site visit when necessary, to provide assistance and knowledge to alleviate the situation. Funding may be available for unforeseen emergencies and will be evaluated on a case by case basis during the site visit. Educating homeowners is a high priority to prevent self-inflicted harm to their water and wastewater systems.

Things to look for or do to prevent/lessen emergencies:

Wells and water pressure system:

        • Low water pressure
        • Rapid clicking sound near pressure tank
                o This usually means the pressure tank has failed. If caught early the pressure tank can be replaced and prevent the well pump from failing.
        • Sand in water

Sewer and Septic Systems:

        • Drains/toilets flushing slowly or gurgling sounds when draining
        • Water backing up from lowest drain in home
        • Water ponding near septic drain-field
        • Washouts on septic mound drain-fields
        • Don’t ignore or unplug your septic alarm. This is in place to notify you of problems and allow time for the problem to be corrected before an emergency occurs.
        • Have a licensed septic pumping service pump your tanks at least every 3 years. This can allow problems to be caught early and be resolved to prevent emergencies.

EASY TIPS TO PREVENT SEPTIC SYSTEM ISSUES AND COSTLY REPAIRS.

What should go down your drain?

        • Human waste and toilet paper. If this simple rule is followed, it is more than likely that funding will be available to alleviate your emergency.

What ABSOLUTLEY should NOT go down your drain? These are the most common issues seen during septic system evaluations and should be avoided.

        • “FLUSHABLE” wipes!!!!!! (Paper Towels)
                o These are the worst thing you can flush down your toilet. These WILL cause a problem with your septic system and are very easy to identify when they cause issues. I don’t know why these are allowed to be marketed as “flushable”, because they absolutely are NOT!
        • Feminine Hygiene Products
                o These belong in the trash.
        • Excessive Grease/Oil
                o Never dump grease or oil down your drains. Empty pots/pans into containers and dispose of in the trash. Grease and oil float in your septic tank causing the filter to plug, or worse, get into the drain-field causing failure.
        • Excessive bleach/chemicals
                o Bacteria in your septic tank are the first step to wastewater treatment and need to be allowed to grow.

More Information:

Brock Burnstad

Sanitary Facilities Coordinator
Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health
N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd
Black River Falls, WI
715-284-9851 x35063
Brock.Burnstad@ho-chunk.com

Invasive Species

The Nation is concerned with invasive species because of the impacts that these species have on tribal economy, human health, recreation, cultural practices and overall ecological health of tribal lands. These concerns prompted the DEH to request Bureau of Indian Affairs grant funding in 2011-2012 for the purpose of surveying and assessing the status of terrestrial invasive plants on tribal lands. The grant funding fostered the establishment of the DEH Invasive Species Program that continues to address invasive plants on tribal land.

The DEH has inventoried approximately 5,800 acres of tribal lands to date for the presence of terrestrial invasive plants listed under the Wisconsin NR-40 Invasive Species Rule. Individual plants and populations have been inventoried, quantified and mapped for incorporation into the tribal Geographic Information System (GIS). The data is then put through a matrix tool to prioritize species, populations and parcels for management since the invasive plant problem is widespread geographically and resources including staff and funding are limited. The DEH is actively managing invasive plant populations on tribal lands located in Clark, Shawano, Jackson and Sauk counties. Management focuses on eradication of invasive plants and the restoration of native plant communities in these areas. The DEH Invasive Species Program is 100% funded through grants or federal programs provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Before and After: Invasive Autumn Olive being treated by mowing and prescribed fire at the Sacred Earth parcel in Sauk County.

Randy Poelma

Env. Sciences Program Manager
Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Env. Health
N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd
Black River Falls, WI
715-284-9851 x35061
Randy.Poelma@ho-chunk.com

Community Water Systems

The Division of Environmental Health operates and maintains all of the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Community Water Systems to ensure safe potable water sources for all its customers. This would include maintaining compliance with all applicable Federal and State Regulations. The Division of Environmental Health also manages the development of new community water infrastructure to serve existing and future Ho-Chunk Nation development.

QUALITY DRINKING WATER
FIRE PROTECTION
CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL

The Ho-Chunk Nation Utility Division provides safe and reliable drinking water to customers, programs and enterprises served by public water systems. We strive to accomplish this goal with a minimum number of service interruptions and customer complaints.

Water Service Application

• Residential Accounts
• Customer must submit a Water Service Application with the HPW Utilities Division.
• One time $25 connection fee required with application.
• Applies to any residential account with public water service, including HHCDA or Rental Management rentals, HOP recipients, fee simple homeowners, etc...
• Must agree to terms and collection enforcement policies.
• Not required to be enrolled Ho-Chunk tribal member.
• Per Cap Agreement is encouraged but not mandatory.
• Current charge is $25 per month, flat rate.
• Meters one-inch or smaller get tested every ten years.

Program and Commercial Billing Accounts

• Utility desires as much advance notice as possible for new construction accounts so that water supply can be estimated and accounted for. Service application still required.
• Program accounts are charged $25 per month, to reduce their operating costs.
• Commercial accounts are billed a rate of use charge based on amount of water used, in addition to a minimum base charge.
• Any water meters larger than one-inch in size must be purchased by the program or enterprise.
• Water meters two-inch or larger in size require more frequent testing, some as often as every two years. (This includes well monitoring meters.)

Cross Connection Control Program

• Mandated in the Safe Drinking Water Act and Wisconsin Administrative Codes.
• Water Utility is responsible for monitoring and enforcing, policy is written into the Water Utility Ordinance.
• Residential program is mostly public education, WI DNR requires all residences to be inspected every ten years.
• Commercial or industrial buildings require complete inspections every two years.
• Many “backflow prevention valves” in commercial buildings require state registration and annual testing. Utility responsible for monitoring and keeping test records.

Fire Protection

• Residents can contact Utility for information on hydrants and fire protection.
• Living in a community with public water system capable of fire protection will lower homeowner’s insurance premiums slightly.
• * Currently Mission/Sandpillow, Cex’ Ha Ci and Ho-Chunk Casino water systems are capable of fire protection.
• In the future Ho-Chunk Village may be connected to HC Casino water supply for fire protection.
• Utility responsible for testing fire flows from hydrants.
• Information is regularly provided to the Nation’s liability insurance company, state auditors at gaming facilities, and other agencies upon request.

WATER SYSTEM POPULATION NUMBERS INFRASTRUCTURE STATISTICS – COMPARABLE

More Information:

Utilities Power Point

Staff and Points of Contact

Car Seat Request

To request a car seat contact:

Lisa Herritz

Public Health Emergency Preparedness Manager
Ho-Chunk Nation Environmental Health
N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd
Black River Falls, WI
715-284-9851 ext. 35022
Lisa.herritz@ho-chunk.com

Mold Inspection

To request a mold inspection contact:

Matt Malimanek

Air Quality Specialist
Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health
N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd
Black River Falls, WI
715-284-9851 x35054
matthew.malimanek@ho-chunk.com

Radon Inspection

To request a Radon inspection contact:

Matt Malimanek

Air Quality Specialist
Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health
N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd
Black River Falls, WI
715-284-9851 x35054
matthew.malimanek@ho-chunk.com

Reports

Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) are required by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CCR must be prepared and distributed by all Community Water Systems in order to provide information concerning water quality for the previous monitoring year. The report identifies detected contaminants, compliance with drinking water rules, and educational language, and is based on information reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

CCR Ho-Chunk Che Nunk 2023

CCR Ho-Chunk Village 2023

CCR Ho-Chunk Indian Heights 2023

CCR Ho-Chunk Mission Sand Pillow 2023

CCR Ho-Chunk Cex' Ha Ci 2023

Household Hazardous Waste

The Division of Environmental Health provides technical assistance to Ho-Chunk members and facilities on the proper disposal of hazardous wastes and as funding is available organizes and holds Clean Sweep events.

Wastewater Systems

The Division of Environmental Health operates and maintains all of the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Wastewater Systems to ensure proper treatment and disposal of waste. This would include the maintaining compliance with all applicable Federal and State Regulations.

Water/Sewer Service Application/Payment Agreement form

Injury Prevention

Among American Indians and Alaska Natives between the ages of 1 to 44 years old, injury remains the leading cause of death. AI/AN people continue to have disproportionately higher rates of unintentional injury and injury-related mortality. The Environmental Health Injury Prevention Program works to prevent unintentional injuries by partnering with federal, state, and tribal partners to develop key interventions and implement strategies to reduce injuries within our communities.

Survey - Coming Soon

Injury Prevention Programs:

Forms:

Educational materials for car seat distribution:

Links to Educational Resources:

Lisa Herritz

Public Health Emergency Preparedness Manager
Ho-Chunk Nation Environmental Health
N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd
Black River Falls, WI
715-284-9851 ext. 35022
Lisa.herritz@ho-chunk.com

Public Health

Purpose of Environmental Public Health Program:

Environmental Health is the branch of public health that focuses on the interrelationships between people and their environment, promotes human health and well-being, and fosters healthy and safe communities.

As a fundamental component of a comprehensive public health system, environmental health works to advance policies and programs to reduce chemical and other environmental exposures in air, water, soil and food to protect residents and provide communities with healthier environments.

Services:

Food Protection Inspections and Testing:
Retail Food inspections routine and complaints as they are needed
Casinos
C-store
Head Start
Day Care
Tribal Aging Unit
Mass gathering and temporary food inspections
Campground
Hotel/motel
Swimming pool
Clinical facilities safety
Food warehouse
Foodborne/waterborne illness investigations

Registered Sanitarians:

Becoming a Registered Sanitarian confirms the individual possesses knowledge on a variety of environmental and public health issues and can properly take corrective action to protect human health. Registered sanitarians work in the public and private sectors. Many are employed by state and local government in regulatory programs such as food protection, hazardous substances, product safety, housing, institutional health and safety, radiation protection, recreational areas and waters, solid waste management, vector control, water quality, wastewater technology and management, hazardous waste management or industrial hygiene.

Environmental Health Community Resources

Rabies vaccine events
Human Health Hazard evaluations
Bed bug/pest identification
Vector borne disease monitoring

Links to:

National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)
https://www.neha.org/

Wisconsin Environmental Health Association (WEHA)
https://weha.net/

American Public Health Association (APHA)
https://apha.org/

Indian Health Service Environmental Health (IHS EH)
https://www.ihs.gov/dehs/

Public Health National Center for Innovation 10 essential Public Health Services
https://phnci.org/national-frameworks/10-ephs

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Recall lists
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts

Food Safety Fact sheets

If you think that you have received a foodborne illness from a Ho-Chunk Nation facility, please call a Registered Sanitarian staff member.

Contact information: